California Thrive Act for youth gun violence trauma

Assembly Bill 2247, the Trauma, Healing and Resilience Investment for Victimized and Exposed Youth Act (Thrive Act), introduced by United States — California Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, aims to expand access to trauma recovery and mental health services for young survivors and witnesses of gun violence. The bill would provide free, timely counseling to youth affected by gun violence, addressing the cycle of trauma that often leads to future offending. The legislation is supported by Jessie Milo, an incarcerated individual at United States — San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and chairman of the rehabilitation program Arms Down, who argues that untreated childhood trauma contributes to gun-related crimes. The bill is framed as a crime prevention measure, emphasizing that timely trauma care can interrupt the cycle of violence. The articles cite statistics on gun violence deaths in the United States and highlight the disproportionate impact on communities in United States — Alameda County, California.